If I recall there were about 200 strands... There are only a few left, indeed.
what causes the differences in prices? Is it by colour, size, symmetry, orient, luster, or matching? Or a combination of factors?
This one is loaded... but I will try to break it down for you.
When we create a special lot or line like this the first thing we do is determine the overall cost of the finished product. This includes the stringing and clasp. We then separate the product into 2 distinctive quality categories. With this particular lot the separation was made by surface characteristics and luster for the most part, with some consideration made for color and other special features.
Within each of these two separations there is a determined range with what we have determined to be actual cost within each marked. A certain number of strands will go under, and a certain number will go over. Do you remember those number lines we worked with as kids? When you know what numbers are needed to create a certain percentage, the pearls are arranged by grade within each range. The final differences in numbers (prices) can seem a bit more random as we try to fit the exact formula we were looking for.
This method of pricing is used for special lots that likely will not be duplicated. This is also how quite a few of the pieces can actually go for below production cost. I know a few of you know what approximate actual cost is and were wondering how some of the listed prices were possible.
As for the individual pieces and prices, the above job fell upon Kirsten last week. So she may have given extra preference to strands with more lavender as even this type of separation is going to be affected by personal preference to some extent.